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Author: Christine Muchira

  • Ruto mourns students killed in Utumishi Girls fire

    Ruto mourns students killed in Utumishi Girls fire

    President William Ruto has condoled with families that have been affected by the dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 injured.

    In a statement, Ruto noted that no words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.

    “As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” noted Ruto.

    He added that the government’s immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire.

    Similarly, the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a quick recovery to those injured in the incident.

    “I have learnt with deep shock and profound sorrow that we have lost 16 girls of Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil while scores others have been injured in a fire tragedy at school,” he said.

    Kindiki said to lose young girls, full of hope and dreams for the future, in such a cruel and painful way is stark reminder of how fleeting life on earth is.

    He noted that the government stands with all those affected, and is committed to support the school community to come to terms with this tragedy.

    On his part the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi mourned the victims of the fire incident describing the it as a deeply painful moment to Kenya.

    “This is a deeply painful moment for the nation, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, especially the families grieving the loss of their loved ones and those with children currently receiving treatment in hospital,” Mudavadi mourned.

     

     

  • 16 killed, 79 injured in Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire

    16 killed, 79 injured in Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire

    16 students have lost their lives while 79 have been injured following a dormitory fire incident reported at around 12:45am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County.

    According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos the 79 injured students were taken to hospital for treatment.

    Out of the 79, 71 students have been released from hospital with seven still admitted. One student has been picked up by their parent.

    The CS said the total population of the school is 815, at the time of the incident 808 girls were present in school with seven being away from school due to various reasons.

    Migos noted that the process of accounting for all the students is ongoing through investigators as authorities continue to piece together the events surrounding the incident.

    Additionally,identification of the bodies is ongoing with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

    “Out of 808 girls, 79 were injured. 71 have been treated and discharged while 7 remain admitted. We have 16 fatalities whose identities will be identified. The process of accounting is taking place,” said CS Ogamba.

    He added that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene, with injured students being taken to various hospitals for treatment.

    CS Ogamba noted that the cause of the fire is yet to be established.

    A support desk has been established at the school, with parents and guardians seeking for information and assistance being urged to call 1199 which is a toll free number.

    In his remarks, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen appealed for calm even as he cautioned against speculations following the incident.

    “Let’s not be speculative at this stage. We have a safety school manual that all schools adhere to. Let’s wait and see if the manual was adhered to after the investigation,” CS Murkomen noted.

    Murkomen noted that a multi-agency crisis response team is on site, comprising officers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the County Government of Nakuru, and the Kenya Red Cross.

    The Gender and Children Services CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo says the State Department for Children Services has activated emergency child protection response mechanisms to support children and families affected by the Utumishi fire tragedy.

    “The State Department for Children Services has deployed Children Officers and Child Protection personnel to coordinate immediate interventions, including safeguarding affected children, supporting family tracing and reunification, and ensuring emergency child protection services are provided,”
    the CS said.

    Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/several-students-feared-dead-in-utumishi-girls-academy-dormitory-fire/

    More to follow….

  • Pope Leo appoints Rev. John Mwandi as new Kitui bishop

    Pope Leo appoints Rev. John Mwandi as new Kitui bishop

    Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Father John Mwandi as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui.

    Father Mwandi has been serving as the Vicar General of the Kitui Diocese, deputising Bishop Joseph Mwongela, who was recently transferred the Catholic Diocese of Machakos as the coadjutor Bishop.

    Bishop Mwongela is set to replace the current Machakos Bishop Norman King’oo who is approaching his retirement.

    The Vatican announced the appointment in a move that has been warmly welcomed by Catholic faithful and religious leaders across the region, since it would ensure continuity.

    Speaking after the announcement, Bishop-elect John Mwandi expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to diligently lead the diocese while strengthening the church’s mission and unity among the Catholic community.

     

     

  • Leaders call for forgiveness, unity at National Prayer Breakfast

    Leaders call for forgiveness, unity at National Prayer Breakfast

    Leaders from across the country have gathered for the 23rd Annual National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. 

    President William Ruto is among the leaders attending this year’s event which is being held under the theme ‘Forgiveness and Reconciliation’.

    In his remarks, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi underscored the need for true forgiveness and reconciliation calling on leaders to commit to healing divisions, restoring trust, and rebuilding the moral foundation of the nation.

    “Time has come for true forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us be leaders committed to healing divisions, restoring trust, and rebuilding the moral foundation of our nation. Let us be leaders who will be remembered for what we built, not what we destroyed,” Kingi said.

    Further, Kingi urged leaders to exercise wisdom, restraint and maturity as the country approaches next general election, warning against division, polarisation and identity based mobilisation.

    “As we gradually approach the next general election, this period demands wisdom, restraint, maturity from all of us. We must guard carefully against division, polarization and identity-based mobilization,” The Speaker said.

  • Several students feared dead in Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire

    Several students feared dead in Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire

    Several students have lost their lives while others have been injured following a dormitory fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County.

    Preliminary reports indicate that students inside the dormitory were unable to open the door as the fire rapidly spread through the building.

    According to the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, emergency response and rescue operations are ongoing, with injured students receiving medical attention.

    The full extent of casualties and the cause of the fire remain under investigation.

    The Kenya Red Cross said its first responders EMS Kenya ambulance and their psychosocial support personnel were dispatched to the scene to offer support to affected students alongside other emergency responders and relevant authorities.

    More details to follow……

  • Armed suspect arrested after foiled robbery attempt in Jamhuri

    Armed suspect arrested after foiled robbery attempt in Jamhuri

    One person has been arrested following a foiled robbery attempt in Jamhuri, Nairobi as sustained security operations and heightened patrols across the Nairobi Region continue to disrupt criminal activities.

    According to a statement by the National Police Service, the incident occurred along the busy CITAM Church Road, an area usually characterised by the movement of traders, worshippers, motorists and pedestrians going about their daily activities.

    The police said, officers have maintained constant surveillance in identified hotspots, responding swiftly to distress calls and working closely with members of the public to confront emerging threats.

    The officers noted that they received reports that two suspects, a rider and his pillion passenger had launched a robbery spree targeting members of the public.

    “Acting with speed and coordination, officers on patrol in the area immediately responded to the distress calls. As the suspects attempted to flee the scene, they fired several rounds in an attempt to intimidate both pursuing officers and members of the public,” read the statement.

    The pillion passenger was intercepted and apprehended. The rider, however, managed to escape from the scene, prompting an immediate manhunt.

    Upon arrest, officers established that the arrested pillion passenger was armed with a homemade pistol.

    Police also recovered one spent cartridge and a bullet believed to have been discharged during the escape attempt.

    NPS stressed that security operations remain active across the Nairobi Region as officers continue to pursue criminal networks that threaten the safety and peace of residents.

    The National Police Service further reiterated its committed to serving and protecting the public by sustaining operations aimed at combating criminal activities.

    Members of the public have been encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the emergency numbers 999 or 911, or through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

  • Kenya flower industry defies global headwinds

    Kenya flower industry defies global headwinds

    Kenya’s floriculture industry is demonstrating renewed resilience and global competitiveness despite mounting geopolitical, freight and sustainability pressures, as organizers announced a record-breaking edition of the upcoming International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2026.

    The 13th edition of IFTEX taking place between 2nd and 4th June will bring together 210 exhibitors up from 189 last year marking the highest participation in the event’s history and underscoring growing international confidence in Kenya’s position as one of the world’s leading flower exporters.

    Speaking during the official pre-IFTEX 2026 media launch, HPP International Group CEO Dick van Raamsdonk said the exhibition had become a “true barometer for the global flower trade,” with the latest growth reflecting strong investor confidence in Kenya as a global cut flower production hub.

    “In a year when many industries are cautious, participation at IFTEX sends a very different message. This sector is resilient, confident and forward-looking,” said van Raamsdonk. “IFTEX no longer only showcases flowers it showcases the future of the industry.”

    He noted that nearly 20 percent of the growth in exhibitors comes from new growers, signaling expansion and diversification within the industry. Since the post-pandemic recovery in 2023, exhibitor numbers have grown from 159 to 210 a one-third increase in just three years.

    The event comes at a critical moment for Kenya’s flower industry, which remains one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners and a major employer.

    According to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), the sector generated approximately Ksh110 billion (USD845 million) in export earnings in 2025, directly contributing 1.5 percent to Kenya’s GDP while supporting more than one million livelihoods across the value chain.

    More than 60 percent of the workforce are women.

    In remarks delivered on behalf of KFC CEO Clement Tulezi, Membership Engagement and Communications Manager Lina Jamwa described the industry as “one of Africa’s greatest agricultural success stories,” adding that Kenya was increasingly positioning itself as the global benchmark for sustainable floriculture.

    “Kenya is not simply participating in global floriculture Kenya is leading it,” Jamwa said. “With the right partnerships, supportive policies and strategic investments, Kenya can become the undisputed global leader in sustainable floriculture.”

    The industry, however, is facing mounting operational pressure linked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, supply chain disruptions and soaring freight costs.

    KFC warned that air freight costs have risen from about USD3.10 per kilogram to nearly USD5.00 per kilogram in recent weeks, pushing logistics costs to as much as 60 percent of export expenses during peak periods.

    The council estimates that approximately USD4 million worth of flower exports are currently at risk every week, while fertilizer prices have surged by 25 percent within a week and some farms have reported revenue declines of up to 75 percent due to shipment delays and perishability losses.

    Industry projections indicate that prolonged disruption could result in export losses exceeding USD15 million per month and threaten up to 50,000 jobs if urgent interventions are not implemented.

    Even amid these pressures, Kenya continues to dominate regional floriculture exports. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) says the country exported horticultural produce worth Ksh143.78 billion in 2025, with cut flowers accounting for 62 percent of total export value.

    Kenya exported flowers to 143 destinations globally, with roses making up approximately 69 percent of total flower exports.

    Acting AFA Director General Calistus Kundu said the sector remained central to inclusive economic growth, employment creation and rural livelihoods.

    “IFTEX 2026 offers a strategic platform to showcase Kenya’s global leadership in floriculture and strengthen confidence in the country’s horticultural sector,” Kundu said in remarks delivered on his behalf by Isdorah Odundo, Principle Market and product development officer at AFA. “Beyond serving as a key trading platform, the event will also provide an important opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing emerging challenges affecting the flower industry.”

    Kenya’s competitiveness is also being reinforced through stricter phytosanitary compliance and digital certification systems aimed at protecting key export markets.

    Dr. Isaac Macharia, Director of Phytosanitary and Biosecurity Services at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), said Kenya continues to strengthen compliance through automation, advanced laboratory infrastructure and enhanced pest management systems.

    “As we look forward to IFTEX 2026, adherence to market requirements is not just a regulatory necessity but Kenya’s premier competitive advantage,” Macharia said. “KEPHIS remains fully prepared to facilitate business, support industry expansion and protect the global integrity of Kenyan flowers.”

    KEPHIS noted that Kenya currently commands approximately 38 percent of the European Union’s rose cut flower market and is actively pursuing market diversification opportunities in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

    Organizers say IFTEX 2026 will not only serve as a global trading platform for growers, breeders, exporters and buyers, but also as a strategic forum for addressing sustainability, compliance, logistics and market diversification challenges shaping the future of floriculture.

    Ranked among the world’s top specialized cut flower trade fairs, IFTEX has become a critical gateway for Kenya’s flower industry to expand into emerging markets including North America, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

     

     

  • IEBC condemns claims of plans to influence 2027 elections

    IEBC condemns claims of plans to influence 2027 elections

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has termed utterances by certain political actors alleging that they will influence the electoral process in the 2027 presidential election through extralegal mechanisms, as unacceptable, reckless, and entirely baseless

    In a statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the utterances, which have elicited considerable disquiet within the electoral environment, pose a real risk of distorting public perception of Kenya’s democratic processes.

    “IEBC considers such utterances to be unacceptable, reckless, and entirely baseless,” he noted.

    He noted that the utterances are intended to instill fear, mislead the public and erode confidence in the integrity of the electoral system, urging Kenyans to disregard, dissociate and refrain from amplifying them.

    He reaffirmed that under Article 88 of the Constitution, the mandate to conduct and supervise elections is exclusively vested in IEBC.

    “For avoidance of doubt, the duty and responsibility of conducting and supervising elections in Kenya is exclusively vested in the IEBC under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya. This mandate is not shared with, nor can it be usurped by, any individual, institution or political actor,” he noted.

    According to Ekathon, Kenya has, over time, built a resilient and vibrant democracy that is reliable, credible, verifiable, and anchored in the rule of law.

    The country’s leadership bears a responsibility to safeguard these gains and must therefore refrain from making unverified, inflammatory or misleading statements relating to vote-rigging or voter manipulation, which only serve to undermine public confidence in electoral processes and the IEBC’s independence.

    Further, IEBC termed assertions suggesting that the Commission is weak, compromised or susceptible to external influence, as false and misleading terming them “deeply disrespectful to the institution and the constitutional role it plays in safeguarding the sovereign will of the people.”

    The Cmmission also urged eligible Kenyans to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 polls.

    At the same time, IEBC noted that it shall engage the relevant authorities for appropriate action noting that it was time political actors stopped hoodwinking the public that the election will be rigged.

    “It is time political actors stopped hoodwinking the public that the election will be rigged and instead start embracing the steps set out on the country’s preparedness to conduct the 2027 General Election. Let everyone respect institutional independence as guaranteed in the Constitution,” Ekathon stated.

    The Commission further clarified that no elections have been declared and there is currently no official publication of the 2027 General Election.

    “In this regard, IEBC encourages all eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) at Constituency offices, Huduma Centres across the country and the Customer Care Centre at Anniversary Towers, Nairobi,” he said.

    He urged citizens to prepare to exercise their democratic right to elect leaders of their choice in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

    “Our nation depends on every citizen to uphold the values of peace, stability and prosperity through their active participation in the electoral process,” he urged.

    IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a 2027 General Election that will be free, fair and credible in accordance with the laws of Kenya and international best practices.

  • Kenya must remain stable ahead of 2027 polls, CS Mudavadi

    Kenya must remain stable ahead of 2027 polls, CS Mudavadi

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has advocated for peace as a fundamental prerequisite for economic stability and national unity ahead of the August 2027 general elections.

    During his tour of Murang’a County on Monday, Mudavadi urged political leaders to avoid careless utterances that could incite ethnic conflict and divide the nation.

    “We need to be grateful for the peace that we enjoy as a people. We have to remain together as a nation and safeguard that peace for it is the beacon of our prosperity. You don’t know the value of what you have until you lose it.” Mudavadi warned.

    “We want our country to be stable; we must respect one another and remain united. Despite our differences in opinions on various issue, we are all Kenyans. You have your opinion and I have mine but Kenya is for all of us.” he added.

    He drew comparisons from the devastating 2007 post-election violence, the repeat election of 2017 and the conflicts being witnessed in the neighbouring countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo describing policies, ideas, or actions that reverse progress of a country as retrogressive.

    He said Kenya has come a long way and no one wishes to go back to the old dark days that almost brought the nation to its knees.

    “Kenyans have always had differences in opinion especially when election related matters are canvased, but we have always come out as a united people.” he said.

    “We have to move together and unite the country. When elections come vote right by assessing your candidate and voting wisely.” noted the Prime CS.

    Mudavadi challenged the youth who are aspiring to vie for different political seats in the 2027 elections to be patriotic, crusaders of peace and a good example to the rest of the world.

    He noted that incitement amongst the youth is a real threat to both democracy and unity of purpose.

    “You cannot build a profile of a crook, a warlord and a person who is always inciting the nation to violence and ethnic profiling. The young persons who are getting into politics and I am encouraging you, please make Kenya to continue being a respected nation amongst other nations globally.” Mudavadi urged the Youth.

    “You cannot aspire to be a leader when you are blocking roads in the name of demonstrating, preaching tribalism and a citizen full of abuses that derail the progress of uniting the country.” he warned.

    He said as we head towards the electioneering period, voting should be a personal but democratic decision driven by logic where deeds speak and reason prevails against emotions.

    Mudavadi said if Kenyans remain focused the country will move forward as a stable nation.

     

  • KBC calls for regional collaboration in digital broadcasting shift

    KBC calls for regional collaboration in digital broadcasting shift

    The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has underscored the need for African broadcasters to embrace honesty, collaboration and innovation as the media industry undergoes digital transformation. 

    Speaking during the Africa Broadcasters Conference in Nairobi,  KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye highlighted that for AI to serve Africa, it must reflect African realities, languages and cultures.

    “Africa must not simply consume AI technologies developed elsewhere. We must actively participate in building, training, and owning solutions that respond to our unique contexts and aspirations. This is where regional collaboration becomes essential,” noted Kalekye.

    While acknowledging the major shift AI represents in broadcasting, the KBC MD noted that the national broadcaster’s vision is to become a digital-first, AI-enabled public broadcaster that balances innovation with inclusivity, and technology with trust.

    “Artificial Intelligence now represents the next major shift in broadcasting. At KBC, we view AI not as a disruption to fear, but as an opportunity to lead,” she said.

    Adding that: “Our vision at KBC is clear: to become a digital-first, AI-enabled public broadcaster that balances innovation with inclusivity, and technology with trust. We are not preparing for the future. We are already living in it.”

    At the same time, she acknowledged that KBC has not yet launched a full OTT platform, saying broadcasters must openly confront the realities of monetisation, cloud migration and digital sustainability.

    Kalekye emphasised that digital transformation is no longer optional, highlighting KBC’s Signet platform, which currently supports more than 70 television and radio stations through over 40 transmission sites nationwide.

    Further she noted that the broadcaster is also collaborating with the Communications Authority of Kenya on Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) technology aimed at easing frequency congestion and expanding broadcasting access.

    “We are also making significant progress toward Digital Sound Broadcasting through DAB+ technology in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya. This transition is helping address frequency congestion in our major cities while creating room for more broadcasters and more diverse content,” she said.

    She lauded Nation Media Group and Royal Media Services for taking bold steps into digital streaming as well as iROKOtv and Africa Magic in Nigeria noting that they have shown us that local stories can build massive audiences not by imitating hollywood but by being unapologetically African.

    “In South Africa, MultiChoice and Showmax proved that hybrid models work. Linear TV and OTT together, not fighting each other. One foot in the old world, one foot in the new,” she added.

    “Even global players like Netflix and Disney+ have taught us something: when we package our stories with quality and care, the world watches,” Kalekye said.